NEWS

Faculty Senate Creates New Disciplinary System

The Council of the University Senate passed a measure to create a new disciplinary system for disruptive conduct during a private meeting this afternoon, according to a member of the body who requested anonymity to speak openly.

“Disruptive conduct” refers to behavior such as obstructive protests and speaker silencing.

Former Provost Eric Isaacs tasked a committee last June with creating a functioning disciplinary system for disruptive conduct. In 1970, the University put in place the “All University Disciplinary System” to respond to incidents of disruption, but it saw little use due to cumbersome procedures.

Appendix V of the committee’s report outlined a proposal for a new disciplinary system for disruptive conduct. After a period of community feedback, the committee made revisions to the proposal.

This afternoon, the faculty senate passed the revised proposal. According to the member of the body, the faculty senate did not consider any other elements of the report—the vote only applies to the disciplinary procedures.

The disciplinary system provides a range of disciplinary outcomes for students who engage in disruptive conduct that includes warnings, sanctions, probation, and—in the most extreme cases—suspension or expulsion. Read the full procedures here.

Update (6:30 p.m.): Randal Picker, who chaired the committee that produced the report, confirmed that Appendix V passed. "I think that it was a good, thoughtful meeting with lots of discussion," he said of today's meeting.

Picker is the spokesperson for the Committee of the Council, a sub-body of the faculty senate.